BEFORE THE RIDE - 4 DAY HORSE TEMPERATURE (HHD form Horse Health Declaration)

For the 4 days prior to the ride, you must take your horse’s temperature and record it on the Horse Health Declaration (HHD) form. Bring the completed form with you and hand it to the Ride Desk on the day when you register. 

How do I take a horse’s temperature? 

The best way to take the horse’s temperature is rectally. Keep a plastic digital thermometer in your medical kit. They are safe, easy to use, inexpensive and available at most pharmacies and are operated by pressing a button to turn them on. 

1. Insert the thermometer into the horse’s rectum. 

2. Always clean the thermometer well before returning it to its case (especially if used on an sick horse, to prevent the spreading of an illness). 

3. Digital thermometers take readings quickly and beep when they are done. 

4. Read the digital display for the horse’s temperature. 

Normal body temperature is 37.5 – 38.5° C. 

There are also plenty of videos on YouTube on how to take your horse’s temperature.